Sciatica or Piriformis Syndrome - Which is It?

A large amount of confusion and misunderstanding exists concerning the conditions sciatica and piriformis syndrome. There are some who insist that the two conditions are actually the same thing, but even though they can have symptoms that are very much alike, the underlying causes differ.

But since the most effective treatment for the two conditions varies signficantly, it is important to determine the correct diagnosis if at all possible. In most cases there is an easy way to distinguish between sciatica and piriformis syndrome.

Most cases of sciatica can be treated by one or more of the following: ?? Acupuncture ?? Physical therapy ?? Anti-inflammatory medications (for example NSAIDs or oral steroids) ?? Osteopathy ?? Pain medication (for example acetaminophen) ?? Surgery: Surgical options such as lumbar laminectomy and microdiskectomy are considered as good options by many. The difference between the rates of success of diskectomy and microdiskectomy is almost miniscule, but one tends to experience lesser pain and fast recovery with microdiskectomy. ?? Structural integration ?? Yoga ?? Chiropractic ?? Stretching exercises

It is important to distinguish between sciatica and piriformis syndrome, because the treatment for the conditions varies, and getting the diagnosis right typically leads to more effective treatment.

Risk Factors Associated With Sciatica The risk factors that are commonly associated with sciatica are problems in ones health, choice in lifestyle, and factors affecting the innate qualities, like, race, age etc.

As mentioned earlier, the symptoms of true sciatica are very similar to piriformis syndrome. Both cause pain, tingling, burning, "electrical shock" sensations, and/or numbness down the leg, often all the way to the foot. In addition, both sciatica and piriformis syndrome tend to be at least partially related to biomechanical functional problems in the joints of the back and pelvis and they may even be present simultaneously in the same person, so it an be difficult to tell them apart.

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Two simple maneuvers will distinguish sciatica from piriformis syndrome in the majority of cases (when the problem is one versus the other and not both conditions at the same time). First, in a seated position, if one straightens the leg on the painful side (so that the leg is parallel to the floor), and the sciatica symptoms increase, this is usually a sign of true sciatic nerve irritation.

Diabetic Condition: Diabetes is the condition in which the levels of sugar in the human body tend to exceed their norm and hence makes a person more prone to a damage of the nervous system. Age: As one grows older, there are changes in the spinal region in a person's body. These changes are one of the most common causes of the sciatic condition. The disks present in the spinal chord tend to deteriorate with time and as one approach the age of thirty, this is most common. Lifestyle-related changes: A good example of this would be sitting in one position for long hours, for relaxing one's body. Sitting in one position mustn't be prolonged, for, this makes a person more na??ve to sciatica than those who are comparatively active in their day to day chores. Occupation: If one is occupied in a job which demands them to frequently carry heavier weights, twist their backs, or be on the move for long durations of time, such people are more prone to sciatic condition.

Dealing with the pain - this is the course of action that most people decide to take. "I'll just deal with it." When the alternatives are surgery and stretching exercises which don't really seem to work, and in fact make the pain worse sometimes, it doesn't leave a person living with sciatic pain with much hope.

In some cases, piriformis syndrome may cause true sciatic nerve irritation, as the sciatic nerve may run underneath or even through the middle of the piriformis, so contraction of the piriformis may produce sufficient compression of the sciatic nerve to produce actual nerve symptoms. This is one of the main sources of confusion when it comes to distinguishing true sciatica from piriformis syndrome.

If pain relievers aren't an option, surgery, steroids, and basic stretches aren't an option and just don't seem to work anyway, what is a sciatica sufferer supposed to do?

Sciatica is a type of pain typically experienced around the Sciatic nerve in the back. Characterized by slow pain or sharp jabs, Sciatica can nearly paralyze a human, pain experienced in the back, from neck al the way into legs can render a person incapable of performing regular functions such as walking or even sitting. Sciatica can be disgnosed with professional help, using medical history and simple tests to find intensity and origin of the pain. In some cases, simple exercises can improve the pain management. Simple exercises, along with keeping joints flexible (especially in case of mature people), can help with daily management. Anti-inflammatory painkiller helps. Studies have shown that non treatment of Sciatica makes it stay, and in most cases, get worse. Even through the patient may feel pain while walking and sitting, staying mobile is almost always better than resting or lying down. For chronic Sciatica pain, professional help can be sought and once the root cause diagnosed, appropriate treatment can help improve and rid the problem. Surgery, if needed, can help improve and relieve the pain as well as the cause.

Modified behaviors - you can't do the things you used to do and you just have to live with it. Not such a nice way to live is it? When you used to run, walk the dog or swing from a trapeze now you can only sit on the couch and knit and even that helps.

Sciatica refers to irritation of the sciatic (often mis-spelled as syatic or psyatic) nerve, that arises from nerve roots in the lumbar spine. The most common cause of sciatic nerve irritation, or "true" sciatica is compression of one or more of its component nerve roots due to disc herniation or spinal degeneration in the lower lumbar region. Sciatica usually begins in the buttock area and, depending on the severity of the underlying nerve comression and inflammation, may extend down the entire leg to the ankle and foot.

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For the majority Living With Sciatic Pain often means: A life of pain relievers - anti-inflammatory medications, over the counter pain medications and prescription pain medications are not meant to be taken on a continuous basis and often cause more harm than good. Ulcer, IBS and other complications can arise from too many pain relievers.

Ask anyone living with sciatic pain what that means and you'll receive different answers. For some it means a few days each year with some mild discomfort, for others it means a life of chronic and often excruciating pain.

Having personally worked with hundreds of clients, Jesse has developed a no-nonsense approach to fitness and wellness that has helped people all over the world weed through all the weight-loss and fitness hype to discover what really works.

About the Author: Jesse Cannone Recognized as one of the top fitness trainers and natural health experts in the United States, Jesse Cannone has been helping people live healthier lives for more than a decade. He is an amazing example of how far passion, drive and determination can take you.

The second maneuver is done in two parts. First, from the sitting position one bends the leg and pulls the knee on the painful side towards the same-side shoulder. In all but the most severe cases, there is usually no major increase in pain in this position. The second part of the maneuver is to pull the knee toward the opposite side shoulder. An increase in the sciatica-like symptoms is a strong indication of piriformis syndrome.

Causes The compression of the lumbar nerves present in the human body is one of the causes of Sciatica. Along with lumbar nerves, the sacral nerves also may play a part. As already stated, compression of the sciatic nerve itself is one of the root causes.

The decision was to focus all his attention on helping the millions of people who struggle with back pain, neck pain and sciatica. Then, with the help of massage therapist Steve Hefferon and a hand-picked board of medical advisors, he created the world's first self-assessment and self-treatment program for back pain and sciatica sufferers. The system, which is called Lose The Back Pain??, has proven extremely effective and over 35,000 copies have already been sold in 85 countries.

If you or someone you know has been living with sciatic pain, stop. Take action. You don't have to rely on doctors and therapists who only know to treat the symptoms. Find balance and stop your sciatica pain today. Start with simple sciatica stretch and continue to learn more about the condition and how to treat it

Piriformis syndrome, also known as "pseudo-sciatica" (meaning "false sciatica"), is actually referral pain and other symptoms (tingling, numbness, etc.) caused by tightness and knots of contraction in the piriformis muscle, which runs from the upper femur bone to the edge of the sacrum, the triangular pelvic bone that is below the lumbar spine. The symptoms of piriformis syndrome are very similar and may be indistinguishable from true sciatica.

Most people would have been content with being a highly successful personal trainer and post-rehabilitation specialist with a thriving fitness business in the Greater Washington, D.C., area. But when Jesse saw that so many of the clients who came to him were suffering with lower back pain and sciatica, he made a decision that would not only change his life but the lives of millions of others - from Atlanta, Georgia, all the way to Queensland, Australia.

Rather than live with sciatic pain, consider seeking a therapist which can diagnose the cause of your sciatica and treat your whole body rather than the symptom. A well balanced and structured muscle system will provide your body the support it needs. Balanced muscles mean your body has the ability to compensate when you push it hard, make an unusual movement or are injured.

Sciatica is a condition in which one tends to experience pain in their lower back region and the surrounding areas such as buttocks, legs, feet etc. This condition is mainly caused due to compression and irritation caused in the sciatic nerve, or the nerve roots that combine together to generate the sciatic nerve. In addition to the severe pain, one also experiences weakness in the muscles, sense of numbness, or problems in movement and control of the legs. Generally, only one of the sides of the body gets affected.

About the Author:

Dr. George Best is in private practice in San Antonio, Texas. For more information, check out Dr. Best's free e-book and online video course to assist in understanding and treating sciatica and piriformis syndrome, including in-depth instruction on sciatica exercises at http://www.SciaticaSelfCare.com .

- Shooting pain in your low back or hip - Numbness in your leg, hip or buttocks - Burning sensation in your leg, hip or buttocks Then living with sciatic pain isn't an option. It can keep you up at night and forget sitting still at a movie theater or enjoying a meal at the table with your family. Often not moving makes the pain worse so people suffering from sciatic pain are constantly needing to get up and move around.

Variations of sciatic pain Living with sciatic pain may be fine if you have mild symptoms like occasional tingling or a dull ache down one leg however if you have more severe symptoms like:

Learn More about Natural Sciatica Back Pain Treatments

Sciatica, I m sure you know, is a real pain in the butt . It affects your day to day life and stops you enjoying your work and leisure times.
At times pin is constant and you may even get numbness in your legs. You may be frustrated that you can t even tie your own shoe laces, or play with your kids, let alone perform totally at work.
You may have fears that it will become worse...

Physiotherapy Treatment of Sciatica
by Jonathan Blood Smyth
Sciatica results from a structure impinging on a lumbar nerve root, causing compression and/or inflammation enough to cause neurological changes in the skin, reflexes and muscles served by the affected nerve. Not a common syndrome, it is estimated that 3-5% of the population suffer this kind of problem at some time. It affects men...

A Pain deep in the cheeks of your bottom can be referred from the lower back. There does not necessarily have to be pain in the lower back as well for pain to be referred into the buttocks.
What are the symptoms of pain referred from the back?
An aching in the buttocks that is difficult to pinpoint.
The slump test may reproduce buttock pain which is eased when the neck is relaxed...

Are you one of the millions of people who experience nerve pain from sciatica? If so, you know how painful this condition can be.
Sciatica pain actually refers to the pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve. This pain is typically felt in the buttocks, down the legs, and in upper thighs.
The interesting thing about SNP is that it is not a diagnosis, but a symptom of another problem,...

It is the nerve that starts at the buttocks and runs down the back of the leg. It is a combination of multiple spinal nerves and is about an inch long in the buttocks. Generally, when people start complaining about pain in the sciatic nerve, it s not the sciatic nerve that created this pain, instead, it s a problem of the nerve being pinched when it leaves the spine.
Reasons for sciatic...